My name is Janice; I’m somewhat of an “eclectic” bead artist and an unabashed self-proclaimed bead addict. My husband and partner of 20 years, Dan and I, live in “The Golden Heart City,” of Fairbanks, Alaska. We love to spend our summers camping and fishing, while traveling throughout “The Land of the Midnight Sun!”

On the other end of the seasonal spectrum, we spend the rest of the year cozied up to the woodstove during the long, dark, frigid cold winter season. Yes, friends – two seasons is what we’re really dealing with here in the Interior of Alaska! With that said, once summer abandons us and Old Man Winter arrives, I find myself hunkering in for the long haul and focusing on doing what I enjoy the most – playing with my beads!

My greatest passion at this point of my life is designing and creating “distinctively you” handmade beaded jewelry and other unique pieces of beadwork. I enjoy operating my “one woman show,” while working behind the scenes of my Etsy shop “Beadwork4Sale – by, Janice.” Each piece of beadwork offered for sale is exclusively handmade by me within the comforts of my log home studio – every item truly is a labor of love!
My shops philosophy is to strive to offer beadwork that speaks directly to the heart!

The creative process for me usually begins with whatever strikes my fancy at any given time. As I mentioned previously, I’m a bit of an eclectic bead artist – meaning, I enjoy using a wide array of beading techniques, design styles and type of beads. With that said – I usually determine how time-consuming a certain project will be and the time I have to complete it, before getting started on creating my next piece. Additionally, due to the “diverse” nature of my work – I’m never short on projects that need to be finished.

I do enjoy doing freeform beadwork; it’s a lot of fun and very relaxing – not to mention the incredible creativity it nurtures. However, I also have an abundant appreciation for precise patterns and select designs – so, deciding on a next project can be somewhat challenging for me. My-oh-my…so many beads…so little time…such a dilemma! ☺ Seriously though, I think focal pieces are what jumpstarts my creative process. Once I’ve chosen the primary component to highlight, I choose the type of beads, their color and finish, and lastly – the finishing elements I’ll use to compliment the main focal piece.

I’m in the process of making a couple of new beaded hair barrettes; they’re more time-consuming to create but are always worth the wait – and, I love how they come together in the end. In addition to beads, I really enjoy working with leather and have been making a lot of key chains lately. I think it’s important to conscientiously create gender neutral items to offer in my shop; it’s something that I continually strive to do better. In addition, I’m currently working on ringing in the New Year by offering more beaded leather designs in my shop. So, stayed tuned for more to come in 2016!

Tiny little seed beads will always be my first choice in beading supplies; they’re the most versatile and comfortable materials for me to work with. There’s truly nothing like the feel of a threaded needle and the smooth flow of beads gliding along effortlessly in the process of creating something so beautiful and unique as a one-of-a-kind piece of bead art. Yes, I’m a complete and total bead addict and ironically, beading is my therapy. As much of an oxymoron as that may sound to some folks, it’s absolutely true, lol!
I started selling my beadwork at craft fairs and local bazaars; however, it wasn’t until after I lost my mom to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) that I decided to open my Etsy shop. I had previously been working as a social worker, providing services to violent offenders and domestic violence survivors – during which time, my mom and I were both also in the process of being placed on the waiting list for a kidney transplant.

It wasn’t long after my mom’s passing that my kidney health began to deteriorate, which eventually led to my having a second transplant in April of 2012. In loving memory of my mom and in an effort to help “pay it forward”, I opened my Etsy shop shortly afterwards and began selling green ribbon pieces to help raise awareness for CKD and Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation. My mom continues to be the primary source of inspiration and motivation for my designing and creating each piece of beadwork featured in my Beadwork4Sale – by, Janice “Awareness Collection” today.

The first crafts I remember seeing being made as a child were my mom’s crocheted hats, scarves and panchos – she made us kids’ crotched gifts for Christmas. One of my favorite childhood memories is of my mom teaching me how to do embroider when I was 8 years old. My uncle used to draw peacocks and floral designs on denim shirts for her to embroider. On a smaller scale, my mom taught me how to embroider pretty floral designs on the edging of white cotton hankies and pillowcases. My dad gave me my first sewing machine on my 15th birthday. I taught myself how to do alterations, how to sew quilts and anything else I could find to sew. My early endeavors with embroidery and sewing definitely play a huge part in my beading today.

My favorite piece in my shop right now is the “Sea Life” beaded bracelet shown here. The turtle used in this cuff was an original piece of a coconut shell salad serving set that my brother gave me as a gift while he was living in Hawaii back in the late 80’s. At some point it fell off one of the spoons and I held onto it over the years until one day I was inspired to create something special to bring it back to life! I happened to purchase the abalone dolphins and ovals at the same time as the floral troca shells, all of which are hand-carved pieces from a wonderful family in the Philippines. The design “magically” took on a life of its’ own, coming together without a lot of thought or effort on my part. Needless to say – this piece holds a very meaningful and special place in my heart!

I love the creativity that beading offers – it continues to allow me to expand and hone my bead-working skills, while learning different techniques and trying out new beads and other jewelry making components as they’re introduced to the market. As a bead addict, buying beads has become a huge piece of what keeps my job interesting!

When things are slow, or sales are tight – I don’t spend cash money on supplies and I focus more attention on social media activities. I’ve enjoyed becoming part of a wonderful Etsy community via joining a couple of teams that I’m committed to helping “spread the love” of my fellow team mates. The Deadhead Art Alliance and Rainbow Artists teams are where I find myself the most welcome and at home – everyone’s really laid back and shares a sense of community! I’ve met some truly kind and sincere friends that I enjoy interacting with daily, as we turn to each other for support and encouragement during both good and bad times – big hugs and thanks to each of you!

I don’t ever really have any “down” time, beading is something that I always love to do – at home, in the car, while camping and fishing, on vacation…you get the idea! I think there’s so much more to beadwork than the actual act of physically beading. I spend time drawing and coloring new designs, I have a bead tool computer program that I enjoy creating patterns with, and I’m always reading books and flipping through beading magazines. I’m continuously learning new techniques and trying out new types of beads – it’s all part of what I love about beading. It also helps that I’m very fortunate that Dan and my family totally support and encourage me in my bead endeavors.

The first quote that comes to mind when asked if I have a favorite would have to be:
“Don’t take your organs to heaven; heaven knows we need them here.”

Being a “product” of the sixties (born in 1965), music has always been an integral part of my life. I can’t remember a time when Dylan, Janis, the Stones, the Dead … or any of the other Greats weren’t playing on the stereo. My mom’s love for music and dancing was so infectious; it became a part of who we are today. When we were kids we went to a few outdoor music festivals with my mom, but even more memorable – were when we had parties at our house. There was always so much great food, live music, kegs of beer, and tons of people dancing and partying – hanging out and enjoying life!

(That’s me in the pink shirt with my back to the camera!)
When I was 18 yrs old, I went to see Elvin Bishop with my mom and some friends from work. He came over to our table and sat on my lap while singing and playing his guitar – my mom kept yelling at me, “give him a kiss!” All I could think of was the spittle flying out of his mouth as the bright lights lit up his face – no way was I going to kiss him!

The last live performance I attended was soon after my second transplant a couple summers ago in Anchorage – where Michael Franti & Spearhead were playing. I absolutely love and adore Michael Franti; he’s an outstanding human being and artist!

By networking and building relationships, Etsy artists can come together to assist one another in Promotion and build life long friendships- for this we’d like to feature Debbie Rodgers from Thunder Rose Leather as our December Featured Artist

I work with John who is my husband of 35 years and leather making partner for over 25 of them.

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We live in a small community about 15 miles from Sedona, Arizona.

I am one of the original promoted Leaders of the Deadhead Art Alliance Team that started in April of 2012 on Etsy. I have contributed to the team by helping to start the Facebook social media group which the team uses to promote and share their art with one another. I also list our chat threads on Etsy every month where people are welcomed to come and share their day, ideas, and selling concerns with each other. Helping our like-minded artists to connect, and to make treasuries to promote the their arts.

Deadhead Art Alliance Etsy Treasury featuring artists from the DHAA

I am also the captain of the Working Artists Promotion Team on etsy.com and zibbet.com which is for promoting handmade by you, vintage, upcyclers and supplies.

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Our work is all handmade by us and we do our best to make sure when you buy one of our creations you are happy about what you receive.

Everything is made right here in our home in our made to order shop. We have a large leather table so we can lay out our hides and find each item.

Each hide is very different so we do our best to get the closest look to the leather bag or whatever your purchase is. We work mostly in Elk skins and buffalo leather. We make all of our own lace and antler buttons.

We are self-taught artists. We have had some friends along the way have pointed out this or that, but we taught ourselves mostly and quit our day jobs as soon as our business was able to stand on its own. The business is always changing and flowing, just like everything else in life so we have found that you need to roll with the river, always making the best choices you can along the way.

photo credit: google images

When I was a young woman I was always looking for the craft I felt good with.

I tried many things.

One day I ran across a bunch of seed beads of all kinds of colors. That was it. I have been beading ever since.

We just kinda evolved into the leather because they go so good together.

I love my long fringed leather totes, of course with beadwork they are so easy to get in and out of. Our bags get better with age.

They become antique with what I call your medicine or person style.

I think the one thing that inspires me most to create is my spirit.

Creating has a satisfaction to it.

It’s a way I can give something I love to do to the human race and they can cherish it for a lifetime or give something handmade to their loved one.

I’ve found that Sitting down and creating something is centering for me. Focusing my mind on one thing is a kind of working meditation. I love that.

I do love listening to music while I bead and absolutely need to spend time in my garden with music and in nature to nourish my spirit.

The first festival I went to was when I was 16 years old. In was in the late 60’s early 70’s. The Dead were playing outdoors. Tickets back then were only about $5 to $10 dollars. That was it. I loved them and still do. They are one of a kind. I have been through many changes from that time until now, which is a very long story in itself, but the Dead always uplift me. I like to put on a CD and turn up my music and dance.

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I love to garden in the spring, to watch an inspiring movie, and to play with my dog Rosie.

I just do what I do. Nothing more nothing less. I love what I do and feel very thankful for my life , my family and friends.

Besides being an artist I have a beautiful Daughter and four beautiful grandchildren that I adore. My dream is to one day be able to teach them my art and encourage them to find their own creative process so they can be free to be themselves in this confusing world.

My favorite are books from Pema Chodron, Lao Tzu, The Dalai Lama. They are my go to people for encouragement to stay on the path of loving kindness and compassion toward myself and others and to work with my own mind when times are hard.

Dali Lama: The Art of Happiness
Photo Credit: wikimedia

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”
― Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness

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The Deadhead Art Alliance Team

Crafts by Deadheads, Lot Rats, Swilly mamas, live music lovers, nomads and crafting tour kids. Sharing our way of life through love and art! The Team is open to anyone who loves the deadhead way of life and brings out the energy through their crafts. Just click the picture and join us! Peace!
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Built To Last .. All Who Wander Are Not Lost.

The Deadhead Art Alliance shop is a artist collaboration and collective by live music lovers who show their love of the music's energies in the arts they create.

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All of the content published on this blog site, with the exception of the images, quotes and links we have been given permission to share by their owners, is the sole property of The Deadhead Art Alliance and is protected under Copyright Laws and International Conventions. Under no circumstances may any of our property be copied or republished without our prior consent. We ask that any and all of the content belonging to any of our artists, also go unshared, copied or republished without contacting said artist for permission first.
We know they're work is amazing, that's why we shared it... but we asked first and just ask that you do the same. ;)
Peace, Love & Respect,
~DHAA